Yavia seedlings after nearly 10 months in a shed up here in Shetland, frozen during the winter and they've stretched a bit over the summer. There were 25 or so back in Southend before a snail took a liking to them one night last summer. One is double headed after the snail attack, I don't know if yo...

It's possible to eradicate them. If you are there, be careful not to bring more in. Root mealies or above ground? Extra vigilance can spot the above-ground types early, but the root mealies can lurk and spread for years without you noticing. Above ground Ian, I've not had a problem with root mealie...

Very interesting Nick, incidentally did you damage any plants with your submersing regime? I've killed things in the past when trying to eradicate mealies. I believe you have relocated to Shetland, so wonder if the different, and presumably colder, climate might be a factor. Whatever the reason, lo...

That's a very nice good sized plant Eric. Do you water from below? When I grew lots of Lophophoras I could never keep them as fluffy as that with my overhead watering.

Very interesting Nick, incidentally did you damage any plants with your submersing regime? I've killed things in the past when trying to eradicate mealies. I believe you have relocated to Shetland, so wonder if the different, and presumably colder, climate might be a factor. Whatever the reason, lo...

If I haven't seen a mealie bug for a year do you think I've conquered them or am i just kidding myself? For a couple of years prior to relocating I carried out a regime of completely submersing all my plants (plant, pot, substrate, the lot) in a bucket of the most noxious insecticide I could lay my ...

In case it's not part of the forum you visit often I've put a post requesting Sulcorebutia cuttings on the wants page. I'll pay £1-£1.50 for an unrooted cutting.

I had to keep all my cacti in boxes in the shed here in Shetland last winter. Most of my Lobivias, Echinopsis and Gymnocalyciums survived, all my Pygmaeocereus ( 30 odd young plants, 3 or 4 years old) died.

I'm sure most of you already know this but if you don't you can order from the huge Cactus Moravia list through C&V Cacti. Saves all the hassle and expense. Their plants (C&Vs) are also excellent.

cupreiflorum maybe